The spatial distribution of congener-specific human PCB concentrations in a PCB-polluted region

Abstract

Serum PCB congener concentrations were measured in 602 adults living near a PCB pollution source in eastern Slovakia. We created iso-concentration maps for 21 PCB congeners by geocoding each participant's place of residence and kriging. Concentrations of PCB congeners were inversely associated with the distance of the participants' residence from the source of pollution. Congener-specific risk factors were derived, particularly for PCBs 52 and 153. We observed that the spatial distribution of serum concentrations was influenced by micro-climatic parameters and physicochemical properties of the congeners. PCB congener profiles strongly correlated with that of the PCB commercial product Delor 106, which was manufactured in the region. The iso-concentration maps indicate that the zones with the highest predicted congener concentration have a mean area of approximately 235.75 ± 188.56 km 2 and the mean enrichment of concentration of congeners in serum in these zones is about 5.12 ± 1.36. We estimate that depending on congener approximately 23 457±18 762 individuals with PCB concentrations exceeding health-based guidance values live in these zones.

Distribution and ECo-Toxicological Risk Assessment of Legacy Persistent Organic Pollutants in Surface Water of Talar, Babolrood and Haraz Rivers

“…The mean concentration of PCBs in Haraz and Talar Rivers was in line with the water samples of International Anzali Wetland, North of Iran (( 7 PCB, 50.99 ng/L) [47]. 6 PCBs in rivers of Iran were higher than 8 PCBs from Seine River in France (7 ng/L) [65,66] [68]. However, PCB levels in the present study were lower than 21 PCBs in Minjiang River Estuary in China (985.2 ng/L) [69] and 27 PCBs in surface water from Yamuna in India (332 ng/L) [70].…”

“…Chemical inertness, insulation properties, oxidative resistance and thermal stability of PCBs have paved the way for their pervasive use in transformers, hydraulic fluids, oils, plastics, adhesives and sealant [4][5][6]. OCPs were extensively used globally for agricultural activities, pest control, pharmaceutical and healthcare products and control of vector borne diseases.…”

Polychlorinated biphenyls in cow’s milk, feed and soil in selected areas of Slovakia

“…The congeners with the highest risk of exposure are PCB 52 and 153. Recent research shows that the area of about 235 km 2 may be contaminated (Strémy et al, 2019). The levels of PCBs and OCPs in the Netherlands, Norway and Slovakia have declined by 75% to 98% in the last 10 years, but in Slovakia, the highest PCBs and OCPs contamination is recorded.…”

A fish-parasite sentinel system in an assessment of the spatial distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls

“…Moreover, several studies over the last 35 years have shown that elevated concentrations of PCBs in the Zemplínska Šírava reservoir pose a potential risk to aquatic health, especially to fish and bottom-dwelling invertebrates, which are the main food source for fish [25][26][27] . Negative impacts on the resident population in the Zemplín region have also been repeatedly documented [28][29][30] . For example, the Zemplín region has a significantly higher incidence of various cancers, endocrine disorders and developmental defects in foetuses compared to the average Slovak population, all of which appear to be associated with increased concentrations of OH-PCBs in the blood serum of adults and children from this area 31 .…”